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3rd. ISSUE
June 22,1862, a newly formed Police force appeard in a completely new uniform with a new series of badges.
With the same center section of the first badge, and returning the designation of "City Police" surrounded by twenty small
points encircled by a narrow rim.
NOTE:The 20 pointer was replaced by an order from the Commissioner. he said "too many
were in the hands of the citizens." (Stated in an article in the paper from 1890.)
a
.
4th. ISSUE
May 27, 1890, worn with a new uniform by all members of the force. This is a shield-shaped badge with
the word "POLICE" across the top, Maryland seal in the center and a ribbon with the officers number across the bottom. Sergeant's
and above had an eagle on top of the shield. Lieutenants and above wore a badge gold in color. The eagle on the badges had
a ribbon in its beak denoting the rank of the officer.
5th. ISSUE
Badge currently worn by Baltimore Police Officers. With exception to the Series 2 badge the word Baltimore did
not appear on any official Police badges. The Series 5 badge is similar to the Series 4 supervisors badge with a new center
seal that is the same as worn on the patch. Police Officers and supervisors wear the same badge with the ribbon in the eagles
beak denoting the rank. Lieutenant's and above wear the same badge that is gold in color.
The 5th issue badge that is currently worn by
BCPD was designed by Robert DiStefano, now a retired BPD Major. He made the drawings that were submitted
to the committee for approval, and subsequently to the manufacturer.
Police Commissioner Tom Keyes was given two designs
that he had drawn, one was more of an OVAL BADGE, and the one that he personally liked. He designed
the current badge to be somewhat "different" than the classic
"Eagle on Shield" design.
He says he purposely made the eagle's wings too high in proportion,
and squared off, sort of boxy. He wanted the committee to chose the oval, he lost!
Police Commissioner Keyes like the "traditional" "Eagle on
Shield." That's how we lost a really nice looking, more modern badge. He says that the chosen design grew on him!
He also worked on the design team that did the Departmental
Sword. Along with Sergeant Bill Stone, he worked on the etchings for the blade. He
was in Colonel Karner's office when he met with representatives of Wilkinson Sword. He has sword # 4.
Photos courtesy of Retired Major Robert DiStefano
~Sword of Honor~”
Commemorating the 200th. ANNIVERSARY
of the
BALTIMORE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
These swords were made available in 1977 to members of the department. The sword is 34” in length. Made
by the Wilkinson Sword Company in England. The blade is engraved with all the important events of the Baltimore Police Department
and that of Baltimore from 1634 thru the end of 1976. The blade also has engraved the 5 badges that the department has used
since their beginning.
My sword pictured here is #58 of only 151 made, it was originally owned by Thomas B. Badlik then
apparently sold to Sgt. Thomas Bradley of the Traffic Division, Motorcycle Section who attended his Final Roll Call
The original price of the sword was $278.00 There were 151 made, the #1
going to Commissioner Bishop Robinson.(Actually the office of the Police Commissioner)
#151 went to the Baltimore Police Dept. Museum.
British Ceremonial Imports Ltd.
The Baltimore Police Sword is manufactured from a 10th Century
Knightly model of which there were a large number of styles befitting his station.
The 10th Century sword was a straight and not a very long-bladed weapon, with a simple cross
shaped quillons and a relatively short grip terminated by a bell-shaped or round pommel.
Towards the 13th Century, the blade became longer and the grip larger. While the pommel assumed
a great variety of shapes ranging from a simple ball, a Norman-like helmet to a disc, a mushroom-shape, a semi-circle or a
crenallated boss. *
*BOSS - A circular prominence; a knob or projecting ornament.
Swords similar to the Baltimore Police Sword with cross shaped quillons are found everywhere
in the West, used by fighting men from the Northern European countries to the Mediterranean and even as far as North Africa
and the Sahara, where the TOVAREGS still nowadays use a similar type.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
WILKINSON
SWORD
Sole Distributor
Baltimore Police Department 200th Anniversary Commemorative Sword of Honor
With our permission, Wilkinson Sword Limited of London,
England, U. K. will be honored to manufacture, in a single
world-wide limited edition, made available only to members
of the Baltimore Police Department, and under no circumstances
made available to the general public a limited edition
commemorate the history of the Baltimore Police Department.
The sword, which is of intrinsic value in terms of sentiment
and in line with the tradition of one of the oldest
uniform services, is symbolic of authority. It is also symbolic
with our tradition. It occupies a significant place in the
statue of justice, where the sword is held in one hand and the
weighing scales in the other.
The world renowned sword smiths of Wilkinson Sword Limited
of London, England, will hand forge the Baltimore Police Department
200th Anniversary Commemorative Sword of Honor
This modern presentation sword will be approximately 30
inches in length.- Its blade will be hardened-and tempered.
The cross piece, shell guard and pommel will be heavily plated
in 18 ct. gold. The grip will be made of Rosewood and will
be hand French polished to a mirror finish. On the sword's
blade, the sword smiths will make historical etchings of the
Baltimore Police Department, its artifacts directly relating
to the history of same.
The limited edition will be individually numbered, commencing
with number 001 which will be presented to the Commissioner
of Police.
To accompany the sword will be a numbered certificate of Authenticity.
The names and addresses of each recipient will be entered into the registers
of British Ceremonial imports Limited for all time.
The Baltimore Police Department 200th. Anniversary Commemorative
Sword of Honor will be a legacy of history, which can be passed along to future generations
of families, to serve as a reminder of the recipient's participation in the Baltimore Police Department. The recipient will
also take pride in owning one of the finest examples of craftsmanship ever created; the artistry-in-steel, a rare and unusual
show piece which can be exhibited and enjoyed.
The sword will be made available exclusively through a
designated official of the Baltimore Police Department, on a
first come first served basis. Prompt action in ordering will
result in securing the lowest registry number.
Anyone interested in purchasing a sword, please contact
the Director, Property Division, 396-2575. An example sword
made for the Marine Corps by Wilkinson Sword is on display in
the Museum.
This information was from the original brochure for the BPD Commemorative Sword furnished by Retired Major Robert DeStefano
THE GRAND POLICE MARCH
Composed by Sig.Gennaro George
Entered according to Act of Congress A.D. 1861
by George Willig & Co. in the clerks office of the
District Court of Maryland
Sheet music furnished by BPD Lt. Bruce Green
Music played by Leslie Gabler.
Click onto Grand Police March below........
THE GRAND POLICE MARCH
1850 CENTER PIECE OF THE STAR.
NOTE: This has a pin & catch on the reverse.
There is wear to this badge however there were never any star points applied due to the lack of solder
on the reverse.
*Rumor says this may have preceded the star as the first badge. Only a few of these exist.
Badges made from 1890-1936 and 1936-1940's. The 1890's have a difference in the die, after 1936,
there was die change which is quite minute. On the first die, the figure on the right of the coat of arms has his elbow resting
on the top corner point. on the second die, everything is the same except the elbow is resting on the point with a small ledge
below to support his arm. that was added due to a die break.
From 1890-1940's, the eagle on the top applied separately. the badges after that have a flatter, less detailed eagle.
*Information provided by Police memorabilia collector Steven Rosenstock
Above is the early issue badge
Below is the later version after the mold had broken and was reinforced.Note the shelf
under the man's arm on the right
Very early Sergeant's badge, probably manufactured late 1800’s early 1900’s
Very unusual hand stamped number on front and also unusual pin on back with the “tunnel”
type catch.
Badge has sustained a lot of wear due to it’s age and service
Below is a matched set of wreaths and a badge dating from 1890 through 1915 and afterwards.
These were assigned to Officer James E. Schmidt of the Northern District. Officer Schmidt was appointed
in 1894 and served until 1923.
Featured is his original badge# 682, the 1880 type wreath# 682, and the 1896 wreath# 682 and
the 1915 hat device# 682 that is still in use today.
Above is the badge being issued around 1890
Below the reverse of that badge showing the old style "tunnel" catch and pin assembly
Badges were made by the Irvin Hahn Company, Baltimore,Maryland
Above the Wreath style of 1880-1896
Below the Wreath style of 1896-1915
Above is the style of hat device 1915 - Present
Sergeant’s badge from the 1920’s. The earlier construction of these badges had a separate detailed eagle mounted
on the top. Note the talons overlapping the top rim of the badge. This denotes an 1890 pattern.
A very rare early 1900’s period Lieutenant’s gold badge. This early style of badge had the detailed eagle separately
applied to the top. Notice the overhanging talons grabbing the edge. The lettering is hard enamel and stone ground to make
the lettering flush with the surface. This was an option Hahn Company offered with their badge construction. This was the
most expensive way to produce the badge
Early DETECTIVE Badge with applied number (above)
Original shoulder patch of the 1950's
Another interesting set including the very early issue badge #187 and the matching hat devices used from 1880
through the present day.
Photos courtesy of Retired Major Robert DiStefano
Medal of Valor, and the Legion of Merit.
Contact: Bill Hackley
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